Interstates 26 and 240, along with Patton Avenue traffic, cross the Jeff Bowen bridge over the French Broad River looking east toward downtown.

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Every day I drive the Bowen Bridge in and out of Asheville, I just assume I'm taking my life into my hands.

I've driven in a lot of big cities, and I've got to say this is about the worst-designed piece of roadway out there.

The tragic death of Asheville Police Officer Rob Bingaman, whose cruiser went up and over a guardrail and plunged 50 feet or so, only highlights the danger of this span. Bingaman, 37 and a six-year veteran of the police force, died in the Tuesday wreck as he was heading westbound. ...